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So many of us, or maybe it’s just me…want to believe that Spring is right around the corner. To that end, I wanted to talk about birding and different spots to do just that and so much more in Waupaca County. Waupaca County has wonderful water resources and timeless charm in all seasons which makes it a haven for many species of birds and a great spot for birders. What many see as some of the most majestic birds, Bald Eagles, we have many sightings in Waupaca County.

Hartman Creek State Park & Emmons Creek Fishery Area are 2 properties that are popular destinations to canoeists, kayakers, hikers and birders alike. It is located west of Waupaca off of Hwy 54. These 2 areas offer 2,800 acres to explore including parts of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It offers a mix of habitats including pine and hardwood forests, oak savannas, old field, marshes, lakes and upland meadows. This type of variety attracts lots of birds, upwards of 253 species. Volunteer naturalists at the park offer interpretive programs throughout the summer.

Keller Whitcomb Creek Woods State Natural Area is a 97 acre SNA which includes the headwaters of Whitcomb Creek, a sand bottomed, fast flowing, Class 1 trout stream with brown and brook trout. This property located north of Iola, consists of a mixture of white & red pine as well as red & white oak, flowing into a mesic forest of hemlock, yellow & paper birch and sugar maples. Nearer the stream consists of almost pure white cedar. The ground layer of vegetation offers many species of ferns. Many songbirds, such as Mourning and Nashville Warblers, can be found here.